Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on his return from the United States this morning:

Question: Martin Lee says he doesn't think anyone in the States will be convinced by ... of the democratic process next year. Do you think that's just sour grapes on his part?

Mr Tung: Well, as I just tried to explain earlier on, that I had very good opportunities - many opportunities - to talk to many of our friends in America from President, Vice President down, members of Congress and Senate, and members of industry and commerce. We talked on a whole range of issues. They all congratulated us on the return of Hong Kong to China, and how smooth everything has been since. Some of them have expressed concern about next year's election. I assured them that we in Hong Kong are just as much committed to democracy, and that we have a very fair and open election next year, that we have already mapped out through the Basic Law the political evolution over the next 10 years, that there are people who understand what we're doing next year and support us.

There are those people who understand what we are doing. They may have a different view but they totally understand what we are doing. There are some, a group of people, who just will not support us. But the important thing to remember is that I did not go there to ask for their agreement or approval. This is Hong Kong's own business. It is our responsibility. We have to be responsible for these consequences and we in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong alone, can take these decisions. And I think my friends in America, they all understand that.